J. Joksimović and Krichbaum: Germany is an important partner of Serbia in the process of European integration

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has spoken with the Chairman of the Bundestag's Committee on the Affairs of the European Union, Mr. Gunther Krichbaum, about Serbia's European integration, cooperation with Germany in the continuation of the accession process, reforms implemented in the process of European integration, regional opportunities, bilateral relations and other topics.

Jadranka Joksimović has thanked Germany, as a significant strategic partner, for the overall assistance and support it provides to Serbia in the process of EU accession. Namely, in the last decade and a half, this country has allocated EUR 1.6 billion in grants for numerous development and reform projects. In addition, German companies have significantly invested in the Serbian market, and this trend continues.

The Minister of European Integration believes that the Summit in Sofia will confirm the European perspective of the region, primarily through a policy of intensified communication and connectivity - both within the region and with the EU.

Jadranka Joksimović has informed Krichbaum that Serbia has prepared five negotiating positions: 33 - Financial and budgetary provisions, 9 - Financial services, 13 - Fisheries, 18 - Statistics, and 17 - Economic and monetary policy. She has conveyed her expectations that Serbia will open a set of chapters during the Bulgarian presidency of the EU Council.
"For Serbia, the EU Enlargement Strategy represents a clear message that the EU is seriously counting on our country as a candidate for EU membership, while also being a strong encouragement for further reforms," Jadranka Joksimović has assessed. She and Krichbaum have, in that regard, placed emphasis on chapters 23 and 24, concerning the judiciary, fight against crime and corruption, minority rights, and media freedom.

The Chairman of the Bundestag's Committee on the Affairs of the European Union, Gunther Krichbaum, has assessed that Serbia has confirmed that it is a credible and serious partner on whom the EU can rely in the future.

Joksimović and Krichbaum have pointed out that the relations between the two countries are exceptional, and that they are developing to mutual satisfaction. They have noted that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have established regular and open communication, which has contributed to the further strengthening of the relations between the two countries.